Pine Lodge Rosemarkie

Pine Lodge is just outside Rosemarkie in the Highlands. It's a wooden chalet, detached, so you have your own space. It's up on a bit of a slope, so you get a clear view out over the sea towards Fort George. You can see Chanonry Point from the garden.

It sleeps four people. There are two bedrooms upstairs: one double and one with two single beds. They share a bathroom. It's a 4 Star place, which means it's comfortable and well looked after. Everything inside is modern and works as it should. The main room is open plan, with the kitchen at one end and the living area at the other. Big patio doors open onto the garden.

The owner lives on site in the farmhouse. He’s friendly and knows the area well if you need tips for walks. You’re welcome to wander the farm tracks. We see roe deer and buzzards regularly. If you're lucky, you might spot a pine marten. The best thing is the dolphins, though. Chanonry Point, just down the road, is one of the best spots in Europe to see bottlenose dolphins from the shore.

Rosemarkie village is about three miles away. It's got a good shop for basics, a couple of pubs that do food, and a nice beach. Fortrose is the same distance the other way, with more pubs and a golf course. For a bigger shop, Inverness is about half an hour's drive.

You're well placed for exploring. The Black Isle is good for cycling. There's plenty of history around, like Fort George or the Groam House Museum in Rosemarkie. For a proper day out, you can drive into the Cairngorms National Park in under an hour.

Facilities: it's got a washing machine, dishwasher, TV, and WiFi. Bedding and towels are included. There's a cot and highchair if you need them. Parking is right next to the lodge. You can bring up to two dogs. There are a few other lodges here, so it's possible to book a few together if you're coming with a larger group.

Useful links: NatureScot for wildlife and walking info, and Cairngorms National Park for planning trips inland.